Wade, that's the kind of scenario that isn't acceptable to me, especially your comment about total unconcern after it happened. After talking it out, I would adjust the tip accordingly to that member.
How much did she charge for that adventure?I guess it depends on the severity and timing of the breakdown.
On my safari in 2021 we were on our way back to the lodge after an unsuccessful day of bushbuck(?) hunting when the break down occurred. I can't recall exactly what the problem was but it took less than an hour to remedy the problem and back on our way. My PH was more embarrassed about having a breakdown. I took in it instride as part of the adventure.
Since I have no experience in Africa's automotive repair parts supply chain. I can only guess that it is relatively equal to American automotive repair parts supply chain: It is either in stock, out of stock, on order, or needs special ordering or any multiple combination. Then is it a DIY fix or requires a repair shop and an experienced mechanic to fix the problem.
Since I try to incorporate sightseeing and souvenir shopping into my trips, I try to be flexible so I have no problem with my PH having to get his bakki repaired at a local shop. He had ordered a repair part and service to be done between clients. Unfortunately the repair part didn't arrive until after my arrival.
NOTE: WARNING: Probably Not the wisest idea or decision for any PH to let a solo client off their perverbial leash, especially without a way to get in contact. Even in a safer part of town. TIA.
In the end I had a "rather adventurous" DIY day. No hunting days were lost.
Never had an issue in Africa besides a couple of flat tires. I have lost some hunting time in Alberta on a deer hunt or 2 due to pick up truck issues. Just rolled with it and helped get us back up and running. Don’t think it ever cost me a chance at a deer.
Since I hunted with you Lon and had two hunting vehicles it was crystal clear to me they were in as new condition. What I loved was my PHs knowledge that we would get flat tires. He had four count them four spares on the truck. We ended up using two. Each tire change amazingly took only 15 minutes!!! Well done Lon!!!To eliminate vehicle breakdown we maintain all of our own vehicles.
Most of our hunts are performed by our freelance PHs.
Have you experienced hunting vehicle breakdowns? Did it have much effect on your hunt? How was the situation rectified?
Lon
8 safaris & not even a flat, Land Rover? NaaahhVery lucky in that aspect, not even a flat tire in 8 safaris.
That is a Land Cruiser in the picture , not a hilux.On my second safari the property owner was retrieving my kudu's carcass from a gawdawful place that I would never have driven a vehicle to. We should have put the critter in a "sail" and carried it to a road. A "pineapple bush" stabbed a front tire through a sidewall. My PH brought his truck in somehow and they proceeded to fix the tire ... on the truck. I always believed it was not possible to patch a sidewall puncture but they did it. My PH had an air compressor built onto front bumper/cow catcher. I felt real bad about ruining (maybe?) a tire on a nearly new Hilux but the owner said those skins were crap anyway. We were staying at his family farm house and all my cash was back at the lodge. When I got home I transferred $250 extra to my PH's bank account to pay for his buddy's tire.
So far that's the only vehicle mishap and the hunting was done for the day anyway so no big deal.
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8 safaris & not even a flat, Land Rover? Naaahh
Easy mistake to make. We don't have either here. Not anymore anyway. Back in my youth Toyota imported Land Cruisers but they were more like hardtop Kaiser (AMC) Jeeps. They were earliest soccer mom SUVs. Great outfits. And Toyota was smart enough to make their drive train bolt up to Chev small block. When Toyota engines gave out (which wasn't long back then) we just went to the wrecking yard for a GM 235 cu in six cylinder. Lots to be had and they dropped right in. Even the engine mounts were the same. Some guys managed to shove 283 V-8 into their Land Cruisers. In low transfer with front tires chained you could walk one of those outfits up a tree.That is a Land Cruiser in the picture , not a hilux.
Lon
How much did she charge for that adventure?![]()
I think that can go either way.Check with your outfitter if it matters to you. One hunt the vehicles were owned by the outfitter. They were set up for hunting. My second hunt the PH's used their personal vehicles to take clients around. I think outfitter owned safari vehicles are better equipped.
The guide was amazing and did hid best. Even though he'd never actually been in the area we were hunting. I did get a representative moose.Wade, that's the kind of scenario that isn't acceptable to me, especially your comment about total unconcern after it happened. After talking it out, I would adjust the tip accordingly to that member.